Puzztastic: Puzzle Pack 1 (Funbi Games) // Review

Puzztastic: Puzzle Pack 1 is the first in a new series of puzzle sets from Funbi Games. The pack comprises three unique and self-contained puzzle experiences of varying difficulty levels that will challenge and delight. A mysterious initiation, a puzzling menu and a cryptic diary all await you…

Players: 1+ // Age: 8+ // Playtime: The Initiation (30+mins) – Lost in Mine (90+ mins) – Puzzle Menu (60+ mins)

What you need: A smartphone, internet access and a pencil.

First impressions

I’d heard a lot of positive buzz around Bill, the founder of Funbi Games, so I was very happy to find that he was making some of his puzzle experiences available to play at home. Puzztastic: Puzzle Pack 1 arrived just a week before I was due to fly to Croatia. I’d spent a while researching portable puzzle game options for the trip and came across this set during my search. It turned out to be the perfect accompaniment for my morning coffee by the pool, so I was thrilled it arrived in time.

The first Puzztastic puzzle set is housed in a custom envelope, featuring a large cartoon bee and yellow/black dashes around the edges. I really appreciate it when creators put their stamp on every aspect of a game, even its packaging. I knew instantly what it was when the envelope dropped through my letterbox!

Gameplay

Nine Codes: The Initiation

Nine Codes: The Initiation challenges you to reveal the hidden symbol of a mysterious organisation by solving nine puzzles. The game spans a standard-sized postcard and a web-based application that houses the puzzles. The front of the postcard outlines the task, featuring ‘ransom letter’ style text and a QR code to access online content. On the reverse is an image of a mobile phone with 9 different squares resembling phone ‘apps’. Each has an icon with a title (i.e. Settings, Notes) and corresponds with an identical icon in the web interface. When you click on the icon, you’ll be presented with the puzzle.

Gameplay is broadly non-linear, so you can choose to tackle the puzzles in any order. Each solution will provide you with a letter, along with a digit/s that will form a phone number used to unlock the final stages of the game. There is a fun mix of puzzle types, including anagrams, a little maths and observation. I particularly enjoyed an amusing dating app puzzle and the final challenge, which was unexpected and clever.

My experience with this game was hindered slightly by a rather specific technical issue (which has since been remedied). This was related to a setting on my phone that prevented animated GIFs from automatically playing. After spending a good chunk of time scratching my head at how impossible the puzzles were, I discovered that the images were indeed supposed to be moving. Bill from Funbi Games swiftly rectified the issue and has implemented a warning for future players. I was extremely impressed at how quickly this was resolved. Once the animated GIFs were working, I found this game fairly easy but very enjoyable. It has a difficulty rating of 2/5, which I would say is spot on.

Lost in Mine

Lost in Mine thrusts you into the darkness as you venture into an abandoned mine. After finding a book with annotations and mysterious images, you must slowly work your way through the dark caverns. The booklet may seem small, but don’t be mistaken – there are plenty of puzzles to work your way through. It also uses really creative ways to hide and reveal hidden secrets.

I found the theme really intriguing, and the narrative kept me hooked throughout. It was certainly a more psychological affair than I was expecting. The puzzles were well-integrated into the story, utilising the paper-based booklet (including a map of the underground tunnel system) and online elements. Both must be used together to navigate your way through the mine, unlocking the narrative along the way. I particularly enjoyed the nostalgic ’90s Windows theming that was used for the online portion of the game. As I’ve come to expect from Funbi, the game had several joyous aha moments along the way and a surprising ending.

With a difficulty rating of 3/5, beginners might find it a challenge, while more experienced players will feel right at home.

Puzzle Menu

Puzzle Menu serves up a veritable feast of tasty puzzles to enjoy. This food-themed game takes the form of an actual menu. Your task? Discover the elusive secret menu item that can only be unlocked by solving a series of devious puzzles.

As there is no clearly defined starting point, the first challenge is working out where to begin. The puzzles are broadly non-linear, so you can tackle most of them in any order. Each is themed around a ‘special combo’ menu item, including food items like pancakes, sausages or sugar cubes. These form the basis of six puzzles that solve to a single word. As you progress through the game, you’ll collect your answers on the back page. These can then be used to solve a very fun meta puzzle, which left me with a grin on my face. It was very satisfying to solve!

Puzzle Menu was the toughest of the set, with a difficulty rating of 4/5. It took me a while to finish it, but I was motivated to push through by the well-constructed puzzles and aha moments. Once I’d finished, I felt very smug! One of the aspects I loved about this game was the fact that it only requires a pen/pencil. There is zero internet or app use, which was refreshing and delightfully freeing.

Extras

An optional soundtrack is available for each game. This can be accessed through a QR code included on the ‘read me first’ slip in the game pack or via the Funbi Games website.

Bill has just launched his new game, Nine Codes: The Tycoon, on Etsy. It follows a similar format to Nine Codes: The Initiation, but is based around a fictional version of Monopoly.

Verdict

Disclaimer:  Funbi Games kindly sent me a copy of this game in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences the content of my review, which accurately depicts my experience.